SOCIAL INEQUALITIES

Social Inequality and relationship with Health and Well being in UK



Social Inequality and relationship with Health and Well being in UK

Introduction

There is a strong relationship between social equality and well being of people as per research. Communities where people enjoy a sense of equality among rich and poor are more likely to have higher trust level and better life. These communities may also possess lower rates of morbidity, higher life expectancy rates, better health, quality life, less fierceness, lower social and ethical problems, less adolescent birth rates, less of crimes, less number of prisoners, and high literacy rates (Wilkinson, R., 2009, p. 1-5).

Social inequalities have been observed as a major cause of discrimination in health services and quality of life in developed countries like those of UK as compare to poorer communities. Poor communities may resolve this issue by achieving a certain level of economic growth, but this phenomenon may not be considered true in rich countries. Income has been considered as the most obvious problem behind social issues and ill health. Higher income differences may lead to unfavorable results like as mentioned. It is evident from the status of USA that possesses higher income differences and stands at 28th position of the International League Table in terms of life expectancy rates as compare to Japan or Sweden where income is uniform among all individuals (Wilkinson, R., 2009, p. 1-5).

There is a significant relationship between social inequality and health problems. Research has shown that good economic conditions, healthy and happy childhood, adequate control on life are all considerable indicators of a healthy life whereas, anger, worry, greater difficulties faced during life make oneself more defenseless to diseases and weaken the immune system and willingness to fight diseases. The main reason behind these reactions is stress that attacks a person's heart functionality and immune system particularly. Therefore, it can be said that people's health is mainly affected by psychological and emotional affect of people's social class. Inequality massively affects people's trust level and involvement in social community life. The social inequality has taken a form of income dissimilarity among people. It has resulted in formation of several classes in the society, which can be termed as hierarchies. It has caused less social flexibility in rich countries like USA and UK, where people have shaped separate residencies and geographical locations for residencies as per social class of rich and poor. Therefore, it can be concluded that wider the differences in terms of income and social class, tougher the competition becomes among people living in a similar community regarding social status and social position.

Social inequalities have affected the way of life and nature of social interactions in society. People belonging to lower class may suffer from insecurities related to being alone, excluded from society, network, or social setting. Thus, it leads to higher chronic stress. Due to these inequalities pressures, one may experience biasses or may be ignored in terms of evaluation of potential of ...